Newly Released 'Birthday Book' for Jeffrey Epstein Sparks Controversy

Tue Sep 23 2025 10:52:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A trove of documents, including a redacted 'birthday book' for Jeffrey Epstein, has been unveiled, featuring notable names and messages, including a controversial note allegedly from Donald Trump.

A congressional panel has released a redacted copy of Jeffrey Epstein's 'birthday book', celebrating his 50th birthday. The 238-page volume includes messages from friends, notable figures, and even a disputed note from Donald Trump. The release, which follows ongoing investigations into Epstein's estate, highlights Epstein's extensive network, featuring contacts from royalty to celebrities. Amidst claims of political intrigue, the book adds fuel to the discourse surrounding Epstein's legacy and the figures connected to him.

A US congressional panel has released a redacted copy of an alleged 'birthday book' given to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 celebrating his fiftieth birthday.

The book was released alongside a trove of documents, including the late convicted paedophile financier's will and his personal address book, containing contacts that include royalty, politicians across the globe, celebrities and models.

The 238-page book contains messages and photos sent by many of Epstein's friends, including a letter carrying a signature resembling US President Donald Trump's. Trump has denied ever writing the birthday note.

Epstein, a well-connected financier and convicted sex offender, was found dead by suicide in 2019 while awaiting a trial for sex trafficking.

What was released and why now?

The House Oversight Committee last month issued a legal summons for the executors of Epstein's estate to produce several documents, including the controversial birthday book which contains the note purportedly from Trump. After lawyers for the estate sent documents to the committee, the alleged birthday book was released, along with Epstein's will and entries from his contact books spanning the years 1990 to 2019.

How did we get here?

The Trump administration has faced increasing demands for the complete release of the 'Epstein files', including from Trump's own base. Despite Trump's interconnected past with Epstein during the 1990s and early 2000s, he has not faced any allegations of wrongdoing concerning the financier's legal troubles. As calls for transparency grew, the potential political implications of the released documents became a contentious topic in both policy and public opinion.

What did Trump allegedly write?

The note attributed to Trump allegedly features a playful message characterized by a drawn sketch, culminating with a greeting that says: 'Happy birthday - and may every day be another wonderful secret.' The White House has refuted this claim, asserting that the signature does not match Trump’s handwriting.

Who else was named in the 'birthday book'?

Among the numerous entries are messages from various notable figures, including former President Bill Clinton and UK ambassador Peter Mandelson, each providing personalized insights into their connections with Epstein. The book contains divided sections including 'friends', 'business', 'science', and 'Brooklyn', with several names redacted, particularly in the 'family' and 'girl friends' categories.

What has the reaction been?

The release of the documents has stirred political discord. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer criticized Democratic members for their handling of the information, while others on the committee have called for unredacted files to ensure the truth is made available to the public and to seek justice for the survivors of Epstein's actions.